Loading ...The story follows Ivan, the main character, and his impossible love for the straight guy Windson. The two meet in the sauna, when Ivan saw Windson practice kickboxing in the gym steam room. Windson does a roundhouse kick where his towel falls off, his private parts free for Ivan and the audience to see. The two then develop and ambiguous and intimate relationship, that stretched through years of ups, downs, departures and reunions. It shows them being together, stripping down to nothing, sparring naked, and more. The two shares a deep bond, but Windson cannot take the next step and respond to Ivan’s physical love.
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The problem: Windson is straight and initially hesitant about hanging out with the admittedly gay Ivan. But Windson soon does an about face, and decides that holding hands and horsing around with Ivan are okay pastimes, as long as they don’t consummate Ivan’s physical desires. What follows are many scenes of the two naked men fighting, embracing, swimming and sleeping together, though their physical affection only goes so far as an interrupted kiss. Something has to give. Will it be Ivan’s pent-up sexual frustration, or Windson’s strict “no gay sex” policy? Or, will some sudden death or disease come along to make everything even more thoughtful and existential?
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Permanent Residence was directed by Scud, who based the movie on his own life story. The movie was filmed in China, Thailand, Australia and Israel. We applaud his initiative, although the movie does tend to be overindulgent in many scenes. As to technicalities, script can do better and acting can be a bit clunky in some scenes. The ending is even cheesy, using a metaphysical conclusion speculating on future events. The movie though manages to captivate our interest throughout the rest of the scene. Plus, the movie features many naked men.
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Permanent Residence opened in cinemas on April 23, 2009 starring Hung Chi Kit and Sean Li. The film is now available on DVD format in Hong Kong with both English and Chinese subtitles.
Chinese: 永久居留
Year: 2009
Director: Scud
Writer: Scud
Cast: Sean Li, Osman Hung Chi-Kit, Jackie Chow, Lau Yu-Hong, Eva Lo
